Category: 3. Business

January 8, 2026 | Austin, Texas
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Press Release

Governor Greg Abbott today announced that a Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund (TSIF) grant of $3.5 million has been extended to Texas State Technical College (TSTC) for their Accelerated Semiconductor Technician Training Program (ASTTP) at the Williamson County Campus in Hutto.

“Texas maintains its investment in high-demand skills training to open the door for Texans to have better jobs and bigger paycheck opportunities,” said Governor Abbott. “With this TSIF grant, TSTC will transform existing instructional and lab space into a training facility focused on semiconductor and electromechanical workforce development. Working together with our higher education partners, we will ensure the technologies that power the future are made in Texas.”

The ASTTP program will deliver modular, accelerated curriculum to prepare technicians within 10 weeks for semiconductor fabrication jobs as equipment technicians, process technicians, and gas control system specialists. The program will include a wafer processing learning facility with a mock cleanroom replicating industry workflows.

“Texas is the epicenter of business prosperity in the U.S.,” said TSTC Chancellor and CEO Mike Reeser. “That is why we will surely lead the way as our country re-shores and builds up our manufacturing and semiconductor infrastructure again. Through this new funding vehicle, TSTC is proud to join with the Governor’s Office and other state leaders to keep Texas the place to do business in America.”

“This grant represents Texas’ continued commitment to building a first-rate workforce for a world-class economy,” said Senator Charles Schwertner. “By expanding access to semiconductor technician training, right here in Williamson County, we are preparing Texans to lead in the industries that define tomorrow.”

“In my first legislative session, I was proud to pass House Bill 2132, which established Texas State Technical College’s location in eastern Williamson County as a permanent, independent campus to meet the region’s growing workforce training needs,” said Representative Caroline Harris Davila. “This new Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund grant builds on that foundation, helping expand TSTC’s Accelerated Semiconductor Technician Training Program and further strengthen our local workforce pipeline. I want to thank Governor Abbott for his continued commitment to investing in our students and ensuring Texas remains at the forefront of innovation. This investment will equip students with the advanced skills needed for a modern, high-tech workforce, create quality jobs for Texans, and support the semiconductor operations and chip production that drive our economy and are vital to our national security.”

View more information about Texas State Technical College.

Governor Abbott signed the Texas CHIPS Act into law in 2023 to establish the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund (TSIF), a grant program to encourage the continued leadership of Texas in semiconductor research, design, and manufacturing, as well as the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Consortium (TSIC). These programs, administered by the Texas CHIPS Office, a division within the Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office in the Office of the Governor, are designed to leverage Texas’ investments in the semiconductor industry, encourage semiconductor-related companies to expand in the state, further develop the expertise and capacity of Texas institutions of higher education, and maintain the state’s position as the nation’s leader in semiconductor manufacturing.

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January 08, 2026

If you’re taking a break from alcohol this month, you don’t have to settle for plain seltzer or sugar-loaded drinks that leave you feeling sluggish. The right mocktails can be as satisfying as any drink during Dry January, but without all the downsides.

“These drinks prove you don’t need alcohol to enjoy something special,” says Elizabeth Barclay, RD, a registered dietitian with Hartford HealthCare.

Here are five healthy and creative mocktails that bring a little fun to your Dry January lineup.

1. Lavender orange spritz

This lavender orange spritz feels fancy without being heavy. Blood orange juice adds bright citrus flavor and antioxidants, while a touch of lavender syrup brings a calming note that makes the drink feel indulgent.

“Lavender has compounds that may help promote relaxation, and citrus provides vitamin C for immune support,” Barclay says. “It’s a great option when you want something refreshing that still feels elevated.”

And that pinch of chili powder adds just enough warmth to keep each sip interesting.

> Get the recipe: Lavender Orange Spritz

2. Hibiscus lime kombucha spritz

This spritz layers floral hibiscus, fresh lime and fizzy kombucha for a drink you won’t want to miss.

“Kombucha contains live cultures that help support healthy digestion, while hibiscus offers antioxidants and antibacterial properties,” Barclay notes. “It’s a smart swap for sugary mixers.”

Finished with fresh herbs and a light salt rim, it feels complex without being too heavy.

> Get the recipe: Hibiscus Lime Kombucha Spritz

3. Iced pear and thyme spritz

This cozy spritz pairs juicy pear with citrus and herbal thyme for a drink that’s both soothing and sophisticated.

“Pears provide fiber that supports digestion, and thyme contains phytonutrients along with vitamins A and B6,” Barclay says. “It’s a great example of how simple ingredients can offer both flavor and nutrition.”

The honey thyme syrup adds gentle sweetness without overpowering the drink.

> Get the recipe: Iced Pear and Thyme Spritz

4. Turmeric sunrise

The turmeric sunrise is gorgeous, but it comes with serious health perks. Carrot juice and orange juice provide vitamin A and C, while turmeric brings anti-inflammatory benefits.

“Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties,” says Barclay. “Adding black pepper helps your body absorb those nutrients more effectively.”

Finished with sparkling water, it’s energizing without caffeine or alcohol.

> Get the recipe: Turmeric Sunrise

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TRENTON, N.J. (January 8, 2026) – The New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation, and Technology (CSIT) today announced that it has awarded approximately $1.3 million in grants to 17 startups through the fourth round of its Clean Tech Research & Development Seed Grant Program. The awards will help young companies accelerate development of their technologies and transform their discoveries from the research stage into commercially viable products and services. Since 2020, CSIT has approved 150 awards totaling $13 million to New Jersey companies working in the clean tech sector.

“Funding New Jersey startups through grant programs like the Clean Tech Research & Development Seed Grant helps build a stronger economy for the future,” said CSIT Executive Director Judith Sheft. “Cultivating companies within our state during their formative years helps them establish roots in New Jersey and position them for future financial growth, sustainability, and economic mobility for years to come.”

The Clean Tech Research & Development Seed Grant Program, which was jointly developed by CSIT and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), provides grants of up to $75,000 for R&D activities to very early-stage, New Jersey-based clean technology companies that will help them advance their development on products and services to a point where they can more readily appeal to outside investors and, in some cases, begin to generate revenue. 13 awardees (72%) have five or fewer employees, and 10 awardees (58%) are certified as either minority- or women-owned.

“New Jersey’s startups are among the very best in the nation and truly place the State at the forefront of innovation,” said CSIT Chair and BioNJ Founding President and CEO Debbie Hart. “The Clean Tech Research & Development Seed Grant Program reinforces the State’s commitment to its small businesses and nurtures advancements across a range of innovation areas aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We have seen early-stage companies leverage CSIT funding 15X in follow-on funding and accelerate their development trajectory.”

“Governor Murphy has invested robust resources to create a strong innovation ecosystem, making New Jersey a top state in the nation to grow and scale a startup,” said NJEDA Acting Chief Executive Officer Mary Maples. “CSIT’s Clean Tech Research & Development Seed Grant program helps entrepreneurs secure funding for vitally important research and new technologies that create new high-paying jobs, grow our economy, and solidify New Jersey’s reputation as a leader in equitable, diverse, and transformative innovation.”

The funding for the Clean Tech Seed Grant Program, which is being provided through the New Jersey Board of Public Utility’s (NJBPU) Clean Energy Program, will advance innovation that will help the state achieve clean energy goals as outlined in New Jersey’s Energy Master Plan. The plan, created in 2019 and updated in 2024, puts New Jersey on a path toward 100 percent clean energy by 2035.

“New Jersey’s legacy as a hub of innovation and entrepreneurial excellence continues to thrive through initiatives like the Clean Tech Seed Grant Program,” said NJBPU President Christine Guhl-Sadovy. “Our collaboration with NJEDA and CSIT reflects a strategic, cross-agency commitment to fostering transformative technologies that strengthen our clean energy ecosystem and drive sustainable economic growth across the state.”

The companies awarded funding work in a range of technology areas including fusion, innovative solar technology, microgrids, fuel cells, and advanced materials and recycling.

A list of all awardees can be found below:

• Canyon Magnet Energy Inc. – $75,000 (Newark)
• CarbonDots, LLC – $75,000 (Lawrence Township)
• Cecilia Energy, Inc – $75,000 (Newark)
• Cero NJ LLC – $75,000 (Edgewater)
• Coherent Photonics LLC – $75,000 (Plainsboro Township)
• CURBON LLC – $ $74,480 (Princeton)
• EV Buddy Inc. – $75,000 (Edison)
• Fundamental Carbon Co – $75,000 (Piscataway)
• Metal Light Inc. – $ 74,370 (Newark)
• NanoSepex Inc. – $75,000 (Bridgewater)
• Noble Geofurnace – $75,000 (Keyport)
• Novtech – $75,000 (Bridgewater)
• PFASolve Inc. – $75,000 (Jersey City)
• Queens Carbon, Inc. – $74,999 (Montville)
• SingletO2 Therapeutics LLC – $75,000 (Summit)
• Skyraptor LLC – $74,014 (Moorestown)
• Zaic Design LLC – $75,000 (Princeton)

About CSIT
In August 2018, Governor Murphy signed legislation re-establishing the former New Jersey Commission on Science and Technology as the CSIT. Comprised of representatives from the public and private sectors, as well as academia, the Commission is tasked with leading the way in promoting the state as a home for academic and technological research, development, and commercialization.

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about state resources available to New Jersey entrepreneurs and early-stage companies, visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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New partnership supports ICAO’s ‘No Country Left Behind’ strategic goal, fostering knowledge-sharing and digital innovation 

ICAO and Amadeus have formalized a Memorandum of Understanding in support of ICAO’s No Country Left Behind strategic goal. The partnership seeks to enhance the capacity of States to adopt advanced digital technologies that improve the efficiency, safety and sustainability of international air transport systems. 

The collaboration will help ICAO Member States advance in their digital transformation journeys and more rapidly realize the social and economic benefits that air transport brings. 

Under the terms of the agreement, Amadeus will contribute its technical expertise, share knowledge, and support initiatives to foster innovation in aviation and travel, in alignment with ICAO policies, strategies, plans, standards, and specifications. 

Amadeus will support this effort by leveraging its experience in travel technology, digital identity, biometrics, and data management — areas that are increasingly vital to the modernization of air transport systems.
 

8 January 2026

January 8, 2026 | Austin, Texas
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Appointment

Governor Greg Abbott appointed Amanda Crawford as the Commissioner of Insurance for a term set to expire on February 1, 2027.

Amanda Crawford of Round Rock is the executive director of the Department of Information Resources and the State of Texas’ Chief Information Officer. She previously served as deputy attorney general for administration and general counsel at the Office of the Attorney General of Texas. She is a member of the State Bar of Texas and a past president of the National Association of State Chief Information Officers. Crawford received a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from The University of Texas at Austin and a Juris Doctor from the University of Houston Law Center.

Today, Fannie Mae announced its 2026 Connecticut Avenue Securities® (CAS) Issuance Calendar as part of its efforts to ensure transparency in the market. We currently expect total CAS volume of around $4 billion across 5–7 transactions. Fannie Mae has the option to issue, or forgo issuance of, one or more CAS deals during each window.

For questions, please contact the Fannie Mae Investor Help Line at 1-800-232-6643, Option 3 or by e-mail.

Market Notice 

The Bank set out the schedule for sales in Q1 2026 of gilts held in the APF for monetary policy purposes in the 19 December 2025 Market Notice. Following the announcement by the Chancellor of the Exchequer that the Spring forecast will be held on Tuesday 3 March 2026, and the subsequent update to the gilt operations calendar by the UK Debt Management Office (DMO), the Bank has rescheduled the following auctions:

• The short maturity auction previously scheduled for 16 March will now be held on 23 February
• The medium maturity auction previously scheduled for 9 March will now be held on 16 March

The schedule for Q1 is otherwise unchanged, as set out in Table 1 below. 

As set out in the exchange of letters between the Governor and the Chancellor in February 2022, the Bank liaises closely with the DMO to ensure that our operations minimise interference with the DMO’s own issuance programme.  

Other than as amended in this Market Notice, the detailed operational parameters and participation requirements set out previously will apply to these gilt sales.

As set out in the 19 December 2025 Market Notice, the Bank will continue to monitor the impact of its gilt sales programme on market conditions, and reserves the right to amend its schedule, including the gilts to be sold and the size of its auctions, or any other aspect of its approach at its sole discretion. 

The Bank expects to announce the sales schedule for Q2 2026 at 4.30pm on 20 March 2026.

Table 1: APF gilt sales auction calendar – January to March 2026

Auction date	Maturity sector	Auction size
Monday 12 January	Short	£800mn
Monday 26 January	Long	£675mn
Monday 09 February	Medium	£775mn
Monday 23 February	Short	£800mn
Monday 16 March	Medium	£775mn

The table below indicates the number of auctions that the Bank expects to hold in each of the following quarters over the next nine months. The number and size of auctions needed to meet the MPC’s target in future quarters may change, depending on the movement in gilt prices and the realised distribution of sales throughout the year, and therefore the numbers below should be understood as strictly indicative. 

Table 2: Indicative number of auctions for future quarters

Period	Maturity sector
	Short	Medium	Long
Apr-Jun 2026	2	2	1
Jul-Sep 2026	3	2	0